Method and apparatus for sandal with hidden strap adjustment

ABSTRACT

A sandal with one or more adjustable strap where the strap closure or adjustment is hidden below the sole. In one embodiment, two straps are directed through slits in the sole of the sandal so that the straps can come through to the bottom of the sole in front of the heel and can be tightened or loosened via a hook and loop fastener. The adjustment mechanism may be hidden in order to provide an improved appearance of the shoe. The adjustment mechanism may include a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, a tying of the straps or strings.

This is U.S. non-Provisional patent application. This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/089,003 filed on Aug. 14, 1008, and claims the priority of that filing date.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The current invention relates to a new sandal design, featuring an adjustable strap where the strap closure or adjustment is hidden below the sole. In one example, this new design is created by making “slits” in the sole of the sandal so that the straps can come through to the bottom of the sole in front of the heel and can be tightened or loosened via a hook and loop fastener.

2. Prior Art

Prior art sandals typically provide either fixed straps that cannot be adjusted, or a visible adjustment means such as buckles or hook and loop fastening. This adjustment is typically provided on the top or sides of the straps above the sole.

There is a need for an adjustable but stylish sandal to enable the sandal to fit wide or narrow feet, as well as to be adjusted for comfort if the users' feet are temporarily swollen. The current invention addresses those needs with various embodiments of sandals or shoes with hidden adjustment means.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment of the current invention, one or more strap of a sandal is adjustable below the sole of the sandal so that the adjustment mechanism may be hidden in order to provide an improved appearance of the shoe. The adjustment mechanism may include a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, a tying of the straps or strings.

In one embodiment of the current invention, holes are provided in either the front or the back of the shoe in order to permit straps or strings to be routed below the sole.

In one embodiment of the current invention, a wedge-shaped heel is provided so that a compartment is created in the heel wedge in order to hide and protect the strap or other adjustment mechanism. This compartment may be covered or may be left uncovered.

In one embodiment of the current invention, the upper part of the shoe is tied to the foot by routing wide straps or strings through the sole and then securing the straps or strings to each other below the sole.

In one embodiment of the current embodiment, an adjustable shoe is provided for children to allow for the periodic adjustment of the size of the shoe.

In the various embodiments of the current invention, several types of fastening devices and methods may be used including buckling the straps, snaps, tying the straps, or pinning or clamping the straps.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side view of a hook and loop fastening device for a sandal strap.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the sandal of FIG. 1 showing the hook and loop fastening means for a sandal.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side bottom view of the sandal of FIG. 1 showing the hook and loop fastening for the sandal.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT—SANDAL WITH REAR STRAP ADJUSTMENT POSITIONED BELOW SOLE

In this embodiment, a sandal 100 is provided with a first side strap 210 and a second side strap 220 as shown in FIG. 1. In this example, the sandal includes a front strap or retention element 230 which is not adjustable. The sandal includes a sole 102 and a heel 105. In this example, the hook and loop fastening means is located in an offset space adjacent to the heel. In this example, two straps 210 and 220 can be adjusted as desired with the hook and loop fastening device where one portion of the hook and loop device is provided on the first strap 210, and another portion of the hook and loop device is provided on the second strap 220. Since the adjustment means 200 is located below the sole, it is not visible. The sandal has improved fit through adjustability without compromising its appearance.

EXAMPLE Hook and Loop Adjustment with Two Straps

FIGS. 2 and 3 show more detail of the location of the adjustment means 200 relative to the heel of the example sandal. In this example, the first strap 210 includes a loop portion of a hook and loop fastener and the second strap 220 includes a hook portion of the fastener. The loops may be pulled to a desired length and then fastened together. The overlap of the straps is hidden below the sole.

EXAMPLE Hook and Loop Adjustment with a Single Strap

In another example, the two straps 210 and 220 may be portions of a single strap where one end the strap is fixed relative to the sole, and the other end of the strap can be adjusted with a buckle, a hook and loop device, or other adjustment device. One way to provide a single strap adjustment is to provide one portion of the hook and loop device on the end top portion of the strap, and to provide the other portion of the hook and loop device on the bottom top portion of the strap, such that the strap can be wrapped over a bar and fastened to itself.

EXAMPLE Hook and Loop Adjustment with a Multiple Straps

In this example, more than two straps may be provided on the upper portion of the shoe, and the straps may be adjusted and fastened below the sole.

Description of Embodiment—Sandal with Front Strap Adjustment Positioned Below Sole

In one embodiment of the current invention, holes are provided in either the front or the back of the shoe in order to permit straps are ties to be routed below the sole.

Description of Embodiment—Sandal with Hidden Adjustment Compartment

In one embodiment the current invention, a wedge-shaped heel is provided so that a compartment is created in the heel wedge in order to hide and protect the strap in the adjustment mechanism. This compartment may be covered or may be left uncovered.

Description of Embodiment—Shoe with Ties

In one embodiment of the current invention, the upper part of a shoe is tied to the foot by routing wide straps or strings through the sole and then securing the straps or strings to each other by tying them together.

Description of Embodiment—Adjustable Size Shoe

In one embodiment of the current embodiment, an adjustable shoe is provided for children to permit the periodic adjustment of the size of the shoe as a child's foot grows. This approach is also useful for modifying the size of adult shoes as the adult's weight changes or has a swelling of a foot.

Description of Embodiment—Removing Excess Strap

In this embodiment, the end portion of the straps are provided with markings or sections to permit excess strap to be cut and removed. For instance, in the case of a hook and loop fastener, the end portion may be sewn cross-wise in several sections so that the strap may be cut just outside of one section. By sewing across the strap, the remaining portion is less likely to unravel. When using snaps, multiple snaps may be utilized with sections sewn in between to allow cutting with scissors. 

1. A shoe comprising a sole portion; an upper portion offset from the sole portion, the upper portion configured to accept a portion of a person's foot; and an adjustment element positioned below the sole portion of the shoe, such that the adjustment element secures the upper portion in a desired position relative to the sole.
 2. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the upper portion comprises at least one strap.
 3. The shoe of claim 2 wherein the upper portion comprises a first strap and a second strap; a first slit and a second slit are provided in the sole, such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit, and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit; and the adjustment element is a hook and loop fastener comprising a first portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the first strap, and a second portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the second strap.
 4. The shoe of claim 2 wherein the upper portion comprises a first strap and a second strap; and the adjustment element is a buckle.
 5. The shoe of claim 2 comprising a strap comprising a first end secured relative to the sole, and a second end in proximity to the adjustment element, so that the adjustment element may be used to secure the second end in order to set the upper portion in a desired position relative to the sole.
 6. The shoe of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of markings provided on the second end of the straps to facilitate cutting the strap to a desired length.
 7. The shoe of claim 1 further comprising a compartment provided below the sole, such that the adjustment element is contained in the compartment.
 8. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, or a tying of straps or strings.
 9. A method of adjusting the fit of a shoe, the method comprising providing a shoe comprising a sole portion, an upper portion offset from the sole portion, the upper portion configured to accept a portion of a person's foot, and an adjustment mechanism positioned below the sole portion of the shoe, determining a desired position of the upper portion relative to the sole portion; and adjusting the adjustment element in order to set the position of the upper portion.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein providing a shoe further comprises providing an upper portion comprising a first strap and a second strap, providing a first slit and second slit in the sole such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit, and providing a hook and loop fastener adjustment element comprising a first portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the first strap, and a second portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the second strap; and adjusting the adjustment element further comprises adjusting the length of the first strap and a second strap, and attaching the first portion of the hook and loop fastener to the second portion of the hook and loop fastener in order to hold the straps at desired lengths.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein providing a shoe further comprises providing a first strap and a second strap, providing a first slit and second slit in the sole such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit, and providing a buckle adjustment element; and adjusting the adjustment element further comprises adjusting the length of the first strap and a second strap, and buckling the first strap to the second strap.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein adjusting the adjustment element further comprises removing the end portion of the strap or string. 